ATLANTA – Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) presented the first-ever Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award to Chacon Autos Ltd. for its outstanding charitable contributions at the 65th NIADA Convention and Expo held June 22 in Las Vegas.

“This award was created to recognize the extraordinary effort independent dealers make to better their communities,” said Mike Broe, executive vice president, U.S. operations, Manheim. “Chacon Autos is a company founded on traditional family values, and its partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation is just one way the company is making a positive impact on the local community. Manheim and NIADA are proud to support their efforts in the Dallas community by presenting the first Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award to the entire team at Chacon Autos.”

“When Manheim approached us about doing something to recognize independent dealers, it didn’t take long for us to realize that many stand out in their communities,” said Mike Linn, CEO, NIADA. “It’s not just the independent dealer himself, but the dealership’s entire staff, that makes an impact in the communities. I know Manheim has a community spirit as well, so it’s both fitting and commendable for a company like Manheim to recognize some of the top independent dealers.”

Broe presented Chacon Autos with a check for $5,000 to be donated to its charity of choice, the Dallas Education Foundation. The donation will be made specifically to Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School, a school Chacon Autos has supported through donations, field trips, festivals, 5K races, and mentoring and tutoring opportunities.

Family-owned Chacon Autos has longtime partnerships with several other charities including Shoes for Orphan Souls, a ministry of Buckner International committed to providing new shoes to at-risk children in the U.S. and 69 other countries.

Four additional dealerships were honored at the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as finalists for their impressive charitable efforts.

The four finalists are as follows:

1. 81 Automotive, located in Hebron, Neb.
   

   
   

2. Hagler Affiliates, located in Taylor, Texas
   

   
   

3. Rainwater Motor Company Inc., located in Douglasville, Ga.
   

   
   

4. Regal Car Sales and Credit, located in Tulsa, Okla.